‘This Is How You Make Quality Joints’ – How One Machine Produces 900 Pre-Rolls An Hour And Why They’re Better Than Cones
“My first legal joint burned like hell. It was hot, the material was dried out, and it canoed,” recalls Kyle Loucks, founder and CEO of RollPros, as he describes the experience that led to his work in the cannabis pre-roll space. For Loucks, that moment wasn’t just a personal disappointment, it brought a major realization. What was supposed to be a magical milestone, celebrating legalization and quality craftsmanship, turned into an encounter with a product that fell far short of expectations. Instead of moving on, Loucks decided to do something about it.
The Problem With Pre-Rolls: A Connoisseur’s Perspective
Loucks’ first pre-roll was meant to be a celebration, a symbol of how far the industry had come. Instead, it exposed a persistent problem in the market. “I saw a problem,” he says. “This is not my level of joint.” For someone who had spent more than 20 years perfecting the art of rolling by hand, encountering such a poorly made product sparked an idea. Retreating to his garage, Loucks began working on a solution that could deliver consistent, high-quality joints at scale.
At the core of his solution is TruRoll technology, a proprietary system that flips the traditional cone-filling process on its side—literally. “We feed horizontally, so you can fill fresh, sticky weed with a big grind size. Then we roll it and tighten it as we go. It’s just a better way to make a joint,” Loucks explains.
The horizontal feeding approach addresses a common challenge with cones: their narrow aperture, which often leads to uneven packing and airflow issues. By rethinking the mechanics of rolling, Loucks developed a system that preserves the integrity of fresh flower while ensuring a consistent burn. His invention appeals not just to craft growers but also to larger operators looking for efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Craft Meets Automation
RollPros’ flagship product, the Blackbird Rolling System, is designed for cannabis enthusiasts who value both precision and consistency. It combines Loucks’ hands-on experience with advanced automation to replicate the quality of hand-rolled joints on an industrial scale. “We’ve done over 80 million joints now and have about 160 machines out in the wild,” Loucks shares, highlighting the growing demand for his technology.
The Blackbird’s design focuses on preserving what makes a joint special. “I selfishly designed it for myself,” Loucks says, emphasizing …